11 things we love about Sea Fair and why we need it to stay
Sea Fair midway / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
Here at Powtown Post, we’re big fans of Sea Fair, and we we’re willing to do all that we can to help make sure it sticks around year after year. That’s why we’ve partnered with Powell River Sea Fair to help get the word out and get people excited about the Fair in 2016.
We could go on and on about how much we love it, but instead, we did what we do best, and compiled a list. Here are some of our favourite parts about Sea Fair:
1. Mini Donuts
When else can you get mini donuts other than Sea Fair? (Seriously, unless you go to Vancouver for the PNE?)
Mini Donuts / Photo: facebook.com/lildonutdude
2. The history
For over 52 years Powell River has enjoyed Sea Fair, making it rich with history and memories for Powell Riverites young and old! It’s not only a lot of fun, but a vital part of our culture.
Did you know that the Popeye statues at Willingdon Beach were a part of a float in the very first Sea Fair parade?
Ken Sleno built the metal frames for the iconic Popeye-themed floats used in the first Sea Fair parade. / Photo: prpeak.com
Sea Fair in 1978, back when it was held down by the Ferry wharf. / Photo: Chris Olson-Brown
3. The bagpipes.
It’s the one time of year that you actually want to hear bagpipes. Who’s with me?
Pipe Band / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
4. The fishing derby
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition–especially one for a cash prize? To find out more, contact derby@powellriverseafair.ca.
Sea Fair Fishing Derby / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
5. The vintage cars
How fun is it to check out the old classic cars in the parade, and after, down at the beach during the Show and Shine? I remember that’s always where my Dad would beeline to, as soon as we got to the beach.
Vintage Cars / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
6. The entertainment
There’s always a ton of great music, dance, and entertainment for all ages during Sea Fair weekend.
Musical entertainment / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
Seafair entertainment / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
7. The fireworks
I am always pleasantly surprised, and even impressed at the fireworks show put on each year.
Sea Fair fireworks / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
8. The beer garden
Drinking at the beach is legal. Enough said.
And supporting local all the way, of course, the Sea Fair beer garden features only craft beer and cider – turning it into an official Beer Fair.
Sea Fair Beer Fair / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
9. The volleyball tournament
This one is new in recent years, but what an awesome idea. Teams take to the beach for a fun day of volleyball action. It’s a 4-on-4 style, co-ed beach volleyball tournament. You can participate, or just sit back and enjoy the sun, sand, and killer spikes. Interested in learning more? Contact volleyball@powellriverseafair.ca for more info, or to get a head start on registering a team.
Sea Fair volleyball tourney / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
10. Floats in the parade like these ones.
I don’t know why, but parade floats are just fun and cool, and make people happy. Some of them are pretty hilarious.
Pow Town Roller Derby team / photo: Janis Behan
Hospital Auxiliary float / Photo: Janis Behan
Spot Prawn float / Photo: Janis Behan
Red Hatters / Photo: Janis Behan
Sea Fair float / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
Sea Fair float / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
Want to enter a float this year? Reach out to parade@powellriverseafair.ca.
11. The people
Sea Fair is one of those weekends where you feel like you see everyone you know, and that’s what makes it awesome. Powell River is such a great community, and it’s festivals like Sea Fair that bring us all together.
And let us not forget about the people behind the scenes. Without the work of some great volunteers every year, Sea Fair would not be possible. If you are interested in helping out at Sea Fair, email info@powellriverseafair.ca – you’ll even get a free t-shirt!
Crowds at the parade / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
Sea Fair go-ers / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
Sea Fair volunteers / Photo: powellriverseafair.ca
There’s so much more, but you get the idea!
In all seriousness, though, Sea Fair may not happen in 2016 if there are not enough volunteers on the organizing committee.
Jenny Garden, Powell River Sea Fair Society president, has stated that the board needs to find three volunteers to help with coordinating the annual fishing derby, community parade, and coordinating the 40 to 60 volunteers who help during the festival weekend. This is due to folks stepping back after several years of service.
“The existing committee really felt that the biggest challenge to a successful Sea Fair was the need for extra help on the organizing committee,” said Jenny. “Without the fresh bodies, we just don’t think we will have the energy to do it ourselves.”
A final decision will be made at the end of January, when the the Sea Fair board will meet again to discuss the volunteer situation.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Sea Fair committee, or providing sponsorship, please visit powellriverseafair.ca/helpneeded or email Jenny Garden at info@powellriverseafair.ca.
Janis Behan